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Horsetail Falls Hike from the Dry Creek Trailhead in Alpine, Utah

 
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Destinations > Utah

Blog Post - October 9, 2022

We got to hike up to Horsetail Falls.

This is a hard 4.6-mile out-and-back trail near Alpine, Utah.

There is an elevation gain of 1,617 feet.

This beautiful trail takes you up the mountain to a beautiful waterfall.

There are no public bathrooms at the trailhead, but the parking is free. 

As you are driving up to the parking lot, you will see the Dry Creek Trailhead sign. This is what the parking lot looks like. The trailhead is off to the right side of the parking lot.

Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike

After parking we headed over to the trailhead.

Horsetail Falls Hike

As you head up the trail, you will see the Deer Creek - Dry Creek Sign and map. Just keep going straight on the trail.

Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike

You'll walk through an area covered with trees, so there's lots of shade. It gets pretty steep really quick.

Then you'll come out of the canopy of trees to an open trail that levels out a little. The views are awesome!

Horsetail Falls Hike

These are some aerial views of the trail.

Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike

As we continued on the trail, it started getting steep again. We were expecting this as this hike is rated as a hard hike.

Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike

When you do get a reprieve, it's a good time to get some water and enjoy the views.

Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike

You'll reach a large clearing. At the end of the clearing area, stay left on the larger trail.

Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike

As you go up the trail, you're going to come to a fork in the trail. Both trails go to the same spot. We took the trail on the left because it wasn't as wet.

Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike

You can see at the top how the both come out at the same trail.

Horsetail Falls Hike

We continued up the trail. We crossed a few streams.

Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike

Next, you'll come to another fork in the trail. There is a sign that points to Observation Rock to the left (50 Feet) and Horsetail Falls to the right (0.31 miles).

We decided to check out Observation Rock first.

Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike

The trail to observation rock is only 50 feet, so it was easy to get to. I'm glad we did because the views were amazing! You can see Horsetail Falls out in the distance.

Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike

Then we headed back to the fork in the trail and continued on towards Horsetail Falls.

Horsetail Falls Hike

You'll cross another stream. This one has three logs together to cross over.

Horsetail Falls Hike

We also saw some horses along the trail.

Horsetail Falls Hike

As you head up to the trail, you're going to hit another fork in the trail. The sign shows that you go to the left to head to the falls.

Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike

For your next turn, there is no sign. All you will see is a steep trail down on your left hand side. This is where you turn left. There is a rope there to help you get down safely.

Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike

This is the view from the bottom looking up.

Horsetail Falls Hike

At this point, you're almost to Horsetail Falls. Just follow the trail a little more and you're there.

Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike

As we got to the falls, we saw that they have a memorial for the US Marine Corp. When you turn around from the memorial, you will see Horsetail Falls.

Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike

Not only are these falls amazing, the surrounding views were breathtaking.

Horsetail Falls Hike
Horsetail Falls Hike

Overall, this was an amazing hike. It was hard with the steep inclines, but totally worth it.

MAPS:

Horsetail Falls Hike from the Dry Creek Trailhead in Alpine, Utah - Map:

(Click on the map above to go to a Google Maps larger view.)

PRICING:

There parking is free so we didn't spend anything on this hike. 

Price: $0

CHECKLIST:

These are the checklist items I recommend:

  • Bring a hat to keep the sun off of your face.
  • Wear shoes with good grip or hiking shoes.
  • Bring lots of water and some snacks
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